NARM Training Institute

In the discussion on NARM's (NeuroAffective Relational Model) perspective on agency, Larry and Brad explore the concept of agency within their therapeutic framework. Agency, as defined by NARM, involves recognizing and taking ownership of one's role in emotional dynamics with others, as opposed to feeling like a passive victim. This perspective emphasizes that, while children may initially lack agency and feel helpless, developing a sense of agency as adults is crucial for overcoming feelings of victimization and feeling empowered in interpersonal interactions.

Larry and Brad elaborate on how agency serves as a bridge between childlike helplessness and adult empowerment. They argue that as individuals increase their sense of agency, they transition from feeling like victims to actively participating in their emotional experiences and relationships. This growth in agency is reflective of one's overall psychological maturity and integration, with a lack of agency often indicating disempowerment or personality disorders.

The conversation also highlights a key distinction between agency and personal responsibility. Larry explains that, unlike "responsibility," which can carry connotations of blame and pathologization, "agency" is a neutral term derived from Latin meaning "action." Agency is viewed as an active participation in one's life and responses to external stimuli, rather than simply being a reactive organism. This approach helps avoid the pitfalls of blame and supports personal growth and self-understanding.